Finance
The Civil Aviation Ministry has announced that 24 airports across the country have been temporarily closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening, amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, which were exacerbated by a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
In reaction to the increased threat level, several Indian airlines have issued travel advisories, encouraging passengers to plan ahead of time and cooperate with the additional security checks.
The Ministry did not disclose the duration of the closures or the reasons for the move.
The closures are part of a larger security protocol, with several of the affected airports located near the international border or in strategically important areas.
The grounding of civil flights is expected to have an impact on connectivity in northern and western India, so travelers should check with airlines before heading to the airport.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has advised all airlines and airports in the country to tighten security.
All passengers will undergo a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC), also known as pre-boarding checks, at all airports.
Vehicles will be thoroughly investigated at all airport terminals, IDs will be checked before to admission, and passenger bags will be inspected at random. Visitor access to terminal buildings has been forbidden. Air Marshals will be deployed accordingly.
“In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, and aviation training institutes so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all the stakeholders,” BCAS said in its order.
Air India said, “Due to an order from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security regarding enhanced security measures at airports, passengers across the country are encouraged to allow extra time for check-in and boarding. Check-in will close 75 minutes before departure.”
Akasa Air posted a similar notice on X, saying, “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours prior to their departure. This is to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.”
“Passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry. In addition to checked baggage, only one handbag weighing up to 7 kg will be permitted. All passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding.”
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, also issued a statement, “During these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are being implemented at all airports. Travellers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
With the current geopolitical climate remaining unpredictable, aviation officials and airline staff are working in coordination with national security agencies to manage operations and keep passengers safe.
Due to rising tensions with Pakistan, Indian airlines halted aircraft operations at more than two dozen airports in the country’s north and west this week.
Many states have also ordered school closures, border district blackouts, and a suspension of leave for police officers and administrators.
“Pakistan pushed the situation, and we just retaliated. The choice is with Pakistan. Our approach is not to escalate the situation; we only responded to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a briefing on Thursday evening.
Source: OCN
